US-China Tensions Rise as Trump Eyes Taiwan Arms Deal Talks

US President Donald Trump has said he will hold direct talks with Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te regarding a possible arms deal, in what marks a significant departure from long-standing diplomatic protocol between Washington and Taipei.

Since 1979, United States and Taiwanese leaders have not held direct official conversations, following Washington’s decision to sever formal diplomatic ties with Taiwan in order to recognise the government of China in Beijing.

China continues to claim Taiwan as part of its territory and has not ruled out the use of force to bring the island under its control. Taiwan’s leadership, however, insists on maintaining its sovereignty and democratic independence.

President Lai, who assumed office in 2024, has intensified efforts to strengthen Taiwan’s defence capabilities amid increasing military pressure from China.

The United States has maintained a policy of supporting Taiwan’s self-defence under the Taiwan Relations Act of 1979, which allows Washington to provide defensive military equipment to the island, while balancing its diplomatic relationship with Beijing.

Speaking on Wednesday, Trump said he would speak directly with Lai when asked about a potential arms sale.

“I’ll speak to him. I speak to everybody… we’ll work on that, the Taiwan problem,” Trump said.

He also described his recent meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping as “amazing,” following a two-day summit in Beijing.

Reports indicate that the US is considering a $14 billion arms package for Taiwan, which may include anti-drone systems and air defence missile technology, although no final decision has been made.

According to the Financial Times, China has delayed approval of a visit by a senior Pentagon official, insisting that the decision on the arms package must be made first.

Trump previously suggested he would make a decision on the matter “within a fairly short period,” following discussions with Xi during his recent trip to Beijing.

Beijing has repeatedly warned Washington against actions it considers supportive of Taiwan’s independence, cautioning that such moves could escalate tensions between both global powers.

Taiwan’s President Lai has consistently stated that the island is a sovereign democratic nation and insists that peace in the Taiwan Strait must not be “sacrificed or traded away.”

He has also emphasized that US arms sales remain critical to maintaining regional stability and deterring aggression.

The latest development marks another shift in US-Taiwan-China relations, which remain one of the most sensitive geopolitical issues globally, particularly as Taiwan increases its defence spending in response to rising pressure from Beijing.